Actually Autistic SD is a peer-led community for autistic adults in San Diego. Grassroots, independent, and completely community driven. Built together, led with care.
We are not a professional organization, a clinical service, or affiliated with any autism nonprofit. We are simply autistic people who wanted a space that truly belongs to us.
Founded in the spring of 2026, we are a growing and evolving community. We are just getting started and we are so glad you are here. 💜
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Autistic-Led
Founded and organized by an autistic adult, for autistic adults. Always.
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Peer Support
Real connection from people who actually live it — no clinical vibes, just community.
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Safety First
Safety, respect, and accountability are always the priority here.
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SD & Virtual
In-person meetups around San Diego plus virtual Zoom hangouts — come as you are.
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Our Story
Why I created this
Welcome to Actually Autistic SD 💜♾️
After so much love and encouragement from my autistic peers, I built the space they kept telling me I was meant to create. My friends believed in me before I fully believed in myself. They kept saying "you should just do it" and eventually I listened.
This is a peer-led community for autistic adults in San Diego. Grassroots, independent and completely community driven. Built together, led with care. I bring warmth, deep attention to detail, and a genuine passion for making sure every person here feels seen and safe. Autistic voices are the foundation of everything we do here, and as founder and organizer I make sure that safety, respect, and accountability are always the priority — because that matters deeply to us.
Just us showing up for each other 💛
Virtual & IRL meetups across San Diego.
By autistics, for autistics. Always. 🌈♾️
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Join Us
Find your people
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Want to join our WhatsApp group? Email us to inquire about joining. It's our main hub for day-to-day socializing, announcements, meetup ideas, and community chat. You can also email us to submit ideas for meetups, topics of discussion, or any other questions.
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WhatsApp Group
Our main community space for socializing, announcements, and brainstorming together. Email us to get added!
Get meetup announcements, community updates and news straight to your inbox. No spam. Just us. 💜
By signing up you agree to receive emails from Actually Autistic SD. Unsubscribe anytime. 💙
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Community Guidelines
Our shared values
By participating in Actually Autistic SD, online or in person, you agree to these guidelines. They exist to keep our space safe, warm, and truly ours.
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1. This is a Peer Support Space
Actually Autistic SD is a peer-led community run by and for autistic adults. We are not a licensed or professional service of any kind. We do not provide therapy, diagnosis, or clinical support. Nothing shared here should be taken as medical, legal, or mental health advice.
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2. Autistic Identity
This space is for autistic adults. Formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or questioning. All are welcome. We do not require proof of diagnosis and we do not gatekeep autistic identity.
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3. Safety & Respect — Zero Tolerance
We have a zero tolerance policy for:
Harassment, bullying, or discrimination of any kind
Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or ableism
Sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior
Sharing anyone's personal information without consent
Screenshots or sharing anything outside the group
Violations will result in immediate removal from the group.
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4. Privacy & Confidentiality
What is shared here stays here. Please respect the privacy of every member. Do not share names, photos, personal details or anything discussed in this space with anyone outside of it. No screenshots — ever.
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5. Mental Health & Crisis
We care deeply about every member of this community. However we are not equipped to provide crisis support. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency please reach out to:
🚨 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text)
🚨 911 — Emergency services
🏥 Your nearest emergency room
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6. In-Person Meetups
All IRL meetups are held in public spaces for the safety of all members. Actually Autistic SD is not responsible for any incidents that occur before, during, or after meetups. Attendance is voluntary and at your own risk.
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7. Communication & Tone
We are all here because we get it. Please extend the same grace to others that you would want extended to you. This is a judgment free zone. Healthy disagreement is welcome, but please keep all communication kind and respectful.
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8. No Soliciting
Please do not use this space to promote, sell, or advertise products, services, or other groups without prior approval from the founder and organizer.
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9. Admin & Moderation
Actually Autistic SD is founded and organized by an autistic adult in San Diego. As organizer I have the final say on all matters related to safety, membership and community decisions. Depending on the situation, I will consult other admins, organizers and/or members. This is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members always.
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10. Disclaimer
Actually Autistic SD is a peer support community and is not a licensed or professional service of any kind. We do not provide therapy, diagnosis or clinical support of any kind. Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.
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11. Member Authenticity & Vetting
Actually Autistic SD is a real, peer-led community built on genuine human connection. While we deeply respect every member's privacy and right to share only what they feel comfortable sharing, AI-generated profiles, fake identities, and bot accounts will not be tolerated.
Members are welcome to use nicknames or go by a name they feel comfortable with. However, as founder and organizer, I must be able to verify that every member is a real person in order to maintain the safety and integrity of our community. This is not about surveillance. It is about ensuring that every person in this space is who they say they are, so that all of our members can feel genuinely safe.
If there is ever reason to question the authenticity of a member, the organizer reserves the right to ask clarifying questions or remove the account from the community. This will always be handled with care and discretion.
Our community is by us and for us and that means real autistic humans only. 💜
These guidelines may be updated at any time as our community grows and evolves. While we will do our best to notify members of any changes via the WhatsApp Announcements channel, it is ultimately each member's responsibility to review these guidelines regularly. Actually Autistic SD is not responsible if a member misses an update. Your continued participation means you agree to the most current version of these guidelines — so please check back often! 💜
Thank you for helping make this space truly ours 💜♾️
By autistics, for autistics. Always. 🌈
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Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you
Questions, meetup ideas, WhatsApp inquiries, or just want to say hi. Reach out anytime. We appreciate clear and direct communication. 💜
This space is for Actually Autistic SD members. Access our community skills, resources, and member directory.
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Hmm, that's not right. Check with the group chat! 💜
Need the password? Ask in the WhatsApp group. 💬
🔓 Welcome, member! What's shared here stays here. 💜
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Actually Autistic SD is a peer support community and is not a licensed or professional service of any kind. We do not provide therapy, diagnosis, medical advice, legal advice, or clinical support of any kind.
The community skills, interests and resources listed here are for peer connection and community support only. Always consult a qualified licensed professional for medical, legal, mental health, or financial matters.
Actually Autistic SD, its founder, and its members are not liable for any outcomes resulting from peer connections or resources shared within this community. Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.
Community Space
Our Community Members
This is your private members area. Here you can see who's in our community, what everyone is interested in, and connect with each other. Connect through the WhatsApp group or use the optional contact info below. Be kind, be respectful, be us. 💜
Click on a category below to find members with that interest — or hit All Members to reset and see everyone. 🌱
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This directory is for members only. Contact info is optional and shared by each member's own choice. Please respect everyone's privacy. No screenshots ever. 💜
Late diagnosed autistic + ADHD. San Diego native. Built this community because we needed it. A true jack of all trades with a wide range of knowledge and skills. Strong social skills, deep listener, and natural connector — great at helping others learn to socialize, prepare for social situations, and build genuine friendships. Highly analytical, outside-the-box thinker and problem solver. I prefer texting — reach out via WhatsApp in the group! 💜
🎨 Art & Creative: Concert photography published on NBC & Kerrang! Magazine twice. Freelance artwork. Watercolor & gel ink painting. Visual art published on a metal/hardcore band record. Featured in a short film by a British filmmaker. DIY artsy projects.
🎵 Music: Flute, piccolo, tenor saxophone, guitar, piano, midi keyboard. Songwriting & music writing. Deep appreciation across all genres — hardcore, metal, folk-punk, indie, 80s, hip hop, electronic, jazz, classical, world music, musica latina, Icelandic music. Vinyl/record listening. Live shows & concerts when body allows.
📚 Research & Writing: Working on first book. Writing short poems & stories. Deep research across multiple fields.
🔬 Science & Medicine: Naturopathic medicine. Eastern philosophy & Osteopathy. Western/Allopathic medicine. Biological-forensic anthropology. Cultural & medical anthropology. Neuroscience & cognitive science. Biocentrism. Gua Sha & holistic healing. Human behavior.
🧠 Psychology & Social Sciences: Psychology & sociology. Decolonizing psychology. Socio-economics. Philosophy. Theology & spirituality. Ethnic studies & cultural differences. Deeply interested in how autism presents in women.
🔍 Search & Rescue: SAR skills & gear. Helping families find missing & lost loved ones. Psychology & behavior of missing persons.
🎬 Film & Media: Independent & foreign films. Documentaries. British romance & Victorian era films. Silent & old black and white films. Mike Flanagan films. Psychological thrillers. Jeopardy.
🎮 Gaming: Competitive Tournament Fortnite player — always looking for Fortnite buddies! Hit me up. 🎮
🎉 Event Planning: Great at planning and organizing events — from community meetups to larger gatherings.
💬 Social Skills & Peer Support: Helping others learn to socialize and prepare for social situations. Grief support & processing. Deep listening & emotional availability. Building genuine human connection.
💪 Life Skills & Leadership: Navigating complex chronic illness & disability. Disability advocacy & self-advocacy. Emotional intelligence & grief processing. Community building & human connection. Cultural competency. Social justice advocacy. Organization & leadership. Event planning.
🎨 Art + Creative🎵 Music📚 Research + Writing🧠 Neurodivergent Life🌿 Wellness + Self Care🎮 Gaming💬 Peer Support💼 Work + Career🏫 Education💻 Technology📍 San Diego + Local🍳 Food + Cooking♾️ Community Building🐾 Animal Knowledge🧑🏽🍼 Caregiving/Parenting✊🏽 Advocacy🔧 DIY + Handy Person
Early diagnosed autistic. SoCal native with Bay Area roots. A lifelong learner with proficient analytical, organizational, communication and problem-solving skills. An appreciative listener who enjoys helping others to the best of my ability. Text and email are my preferred communication methods. 💜
✨ Special Interests: Retro and modern technology, books, astrology, coffee/tea/boba, sports (NFL/NHL/PWHL/MLB), Transformers.
🎨 Hobbies: Reading, thrifting, writing, collecting CDs/DVDs, solving crossword & jigsaw puzzles, going on walks and hikes.
💪 Life Skills: Full-time employment, driver's license, experience caring for pets, some dating experience, managing food allergies and eczema, personal budgeting.
💻 Technology📚 Research + Writing🏃🏽 Sports + Fitness🌿 Wellness + Self Care💬 Peer Support📍 San Diego + Local🧠 Neurodivergent Life🐾 Animal Knowledge💼 Work + Career
Prefers texting to best express herself — avid texter! Occasional calls or voice notes via WhatsApp when needed.
✨ Special Interests: Spirituality & holistic health. Nature & parks. Meditating. Building meaningful and deep relationships. Eclectic music. Community. Collecting memorable items. Writing. KUSI News & San Diego local community. Collecting bows, stickers & unique books. Preserving memories. Future nomadic travel. Culture & art. Mystic stuff. Cultural anthropology. Styling specific outfits.
💪 Skills: High level customer service. Caregiving & companionship. Very fast texting. Keen writing skills. Interpersonal skills. Future mentoring. Holistic & spiritual knowledge. Good memory. Loyal to people. Deep knowledge of reggae, punk, soca, ska, doo wop and specific music genres.
🌿 Wellness + Self Care🎵 Music🎨 Art + Creative📚 Research + Writing💬 Peer Support♾️ Community Building📍 San Diego + Local🐾 Animal Knowledge🧑🏽🍼 Caregiving/Parenting
Not very active online and prefers to get to know you before sharing socials — reach out via email or phone if you already have her number. 💜
✨ Special Interests: Books & literature, arts & crafts, movies & TV shows, the fantasy genre, animals & nature, psychology, love & deepspace, astrology/tarot/crystals.
💪 Life Skills & Can Help With: Creative art design, organization, analysis & problem solving, giving feedback. Finishing a Bachelor's degree in psychology. Very familiar with community college to university transfer process.
🎨 Art + Creative🏫 Education🧠 Neurodivergent Life📍 San Diego + Local♾️ Community Building🐾 Animal Knowledge🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽 Random Hangouts🌿 Wellness + Self Care📚 Research + Writing🎮 Gaming
Autistic since childhood — undiagnosed as a teen, professionally diagnosed at 18. A trans woman, lesbian, and queer autistic who is a positive influence to others and always brightens up an event with her smile. San Diego local 📍 who enjoys event planning and bringing people together. Always learning, always listening, and eager to better understand and help people the best way she can. Learning every day how to be a good leader and improve on her leadership skills. 💜
Likes to text and call but prefers texting — both are fine! Also loves FaceTime. Add her on social media!
🎬 Film & Media: Avid filmmaker — screenwriting, lighting, editing, directing, and acting. Loves all types of films including independent and international films (except satanic horror). Deep knowledge of pop culture including books, movies and TV shows.
🎵 Music: Loves going to concerts and listening to all types of music genres.
🎨 Art & Creative: Has taken art classes and is a pretty good drawer. Knows a good amount about art.
🎮 Pop Culture & Gaming: Loves the world of pop culture — books, movies, TV shows, celebrities, video games, music and more. Big fan of Wicked and Disney. Really into women's fashion and makeup. Deep knowledge of the pop culture realm.
🍳 Food & Cooking: Loves to cook breakfast food — potatoes, eggs, bacon and more. Makes a mean mac and cheese with chili.
💬 Skills: Basic customer service skills. Great at organizing events and enjoys event planning. Loves hanging out with family and friends. Loves LGBT community spaces. Always eager to learn new things to better herself. San Diego local. 📍
🧠 Neurodivergent Life: Autistic since childhood. Gets very overstimulated after parties and events — a lot of fun can drain her out afterwards. Only likes crowds if she likes the event. Sometimes needs extra time to comprehend things but is always eager to listen and learn. Was bullied as a child in early elementary school.
🌿 Wellness & Self Care: Attends group therapy with people with disabilities and has a 1-on-1 therapist to help with her gender transition and anxiety.
🎨 Art + Creative🎵 Music🎬 Film & Media🎮 Gaming🍳 Food + Cooking🌿 Wellness + Self Care🧠 Neurodivergent Life💬 Peer Support♾️ Community Building🐾 Animal Knowledge🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽 Random Hangouts📍 San Diego + Local
📚 Research + Writing🎨 Art + Creative🌿 Wellness + Self Care📍 San Diego + Local🧠 Neurodivergent Life🐾 Animal Knowledge🏫 Education💼 Work + Career
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Kayla
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Matthew
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Melissa
she/her · Gen X
💬 Find me on WhatsApp as Mel or Melissa
I'm extremely happy that Lily started this website! It's hard to find people I can feel comfortable around and just unapologetically be myself. This group is my jam! 💜
💼 Work & Education: I work full time as a caseworker. I live in North County with my two sons along with two beautiful white cats named Jack and Mamacita.
✨ Special Interests: My main special interest and RRB is playing Overwatch (since 2018). I also love crystals and have collected many. I also collect fidgets. My new special interest is reading and learning about autism. In the past, my special interest was building computers.
🎮 Gaming: Overwatch, Animal Crossing, Legend of Zelda, and Fortnite (though I haven't played in a while).
🌿 Leisure: I enjoy camping, hanging out at the beach, and riding my lavender e-bike, usually in Oceanside, but I'm trying to go out of my comfort zone a little.
🧠 Neurodivergent Life: I am late-diagnosed ASD Level 1. I have a hard time socially and tend to misunderstand and am often misunderstood. If I ever say anything that comes off as rude, please let me know so I can rephrase it — unless I meant to be rude, LOL. I get overwhelmed when too many people are talking. I get sensory overload in loud, busy environments, especially if I'm also experiencing sensory overload from allergies, itching, sweating, or stomach issues. I have a lot of allergies and Oral Allergy Syndrome. Due to ASD, I tend to ruminate on injustices and it drives me crazy. I am currently trying to unmask because masking has already caused great harm to me and I've been advised to stop.
💪 Life Skills: I live independently and work full time. It's difficult, but doable. I'm great at budgeting and grocery shopping. Not so great at organizing or planning my time. Pretty good at being responsible. Not so good at keeping tidy and I definitely need to learn how to let some of my belongings go.
🧠 Psychology: I graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology from SDSU. I love how the brain works and have studied people my entire life (mostly trying to understand wtf…). I have a background working with teens with behavioral, mental health, and developmental issues.
✊🏽 Advocacy: My goal is to become an advocate in the neurodivergent community.
🎮 Gaming🌿 Wellness + Self Care🧠 Neurodivergent Life💬 Peer Support🏫 Education💼 Work + Career♾️ Community Building🐾 Animal Knowledge🧑🏽🍼 Caregiving/Parenting🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽 Random Hangouts✊🏽 Advocacy📍 San Diego + Local
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Micaiah
she/her · Millennial · 32
💬 WhatsApp
I'm 32, from a small town in Indiana, but live in the outskirts of San Diego County now. I'm late diagnosed with AuDHD. I have a passion for learning and discovering new skills, and I'm rather literal in thinking and fluent in speaking sarcasm.
I married my amazing husband, Nicholas, on July 20, 2012, when I was 18 and he was 29. His Navy career has taken us through numerous duty days, underways, and three deployments, the last one lasting 11 months during 'The Covid Deployment.' During this time, I was appointed as the Command Ombudsman, a role where I communicated official command information to families, provided resources, alerted the command to family emergencies, and maintained confidentiality in all regards.
My career in Internet technical support deepened my love for technology and online gaming. My problem-solving skills have enabled me to assist friends and family with their tech issues. I also enjoy home improvement projects, having taught myself tasks like wiring smart light switches and installing a gas air fryer stove. I look forward to tackling even bigger projects in the future.
Our home is filled with love for our pets, whom we consider our children. We have three dogs and four cats. Harley Quinn, our 12-year-old German Shepherd Hound mix, is battling cancer but remains full of life. Our Maltese dogs, Pickle and Biscuit, bring joy with their unique personalities. The cats, well, they have their own stories! Feel free to ask.
Currently, my special interests include fidget toys and ESP cards. Getting tattoos and piercings.
I wish I had this information when I first considered my autism diagnosis. Being diagnosed later in life doesn't diminish its impact on prior years. If you're just discovering this about yourself, know that you're not alone. Our community is here to support you. It gets easier, and there's nothing wrong with being different—I hope you find what I have, which is it's actually pretty awesome!
Also, I worked in car insurance for GEICO. I understand insurance really well. There's tons I know I'm missing from here that I'm not remembering, but if you've got a problem, chances are I've been there, helped with it before, or I can figure it out. Just let me know, even if it's not mentioned here. I'll tell you if it's out of my scope.😊
🎬 Movies & TV: Repo! The Genetic Opera, Frozen, Zombieland Doubletap, Doctor Who, The Illusionist, Fried Green Tomatoes, Orphan Black.
💻 Technology🎮 Gaming🔧 DIY + Handy Person🧠 Neurodivergent Life🐾 Animal Knowledge🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽 Random Hangouts🎵 Music📚 Research + Writing📍 San Diego + Local
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Rachel
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Socorro
she/her · queer chicana
💬 WhatsApp
Ph.D. in Education. Queer chicana who loves movie theatres and coloring. Enjoys talking about research, program evaluation, and being a cheerleader to those navigating their educational dreams. 💜
✊🏽 Advocacy♾️ Community Building🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽 Random Hangouts🏫 Education📚 Research + Writing💬 Peer Support🧠 Neurodivergent Life
More member profiles coming soon as members opt in. 🌱
